A Royal Navy officer from Hemel Hempstead who worked as a weapons engineer onboard minehunter vessels has been commended for his awe-inspiring efforts.

Chief Petty Officer Grahame Bridge, 44, had worked single-handedly to ensure three ships were ready for operations from 2011 to 2013.

Grahame joined the Navy shortly after leaving school – the now-closed Mountbatten School in Hemel Hempstead – and is now head of the weapons engineering department onboard the HMS Pembroke.

His work was recognised with a commendation from the fleet commander Vice Admiral Philip Jones at a ceremony at Portsmouth’s Naval Base.

Grahame, who attended the ceremony with wife Janice, said: “I am extremely proud and honoured to have been recognised in this way.

“Onboard a frigate or destroyer coordinating inspections and trials would be carried out by a whole department but onboard a smaller ship there is not large team and we are often expected to work alone on a number of projects.”

He was celebrated for doing consistently well in his highly-challenging role, ‘with no complaint and a generous and positive attitude throughout.’

Vice Admiral Jones said: “Not only do I get the chance to say thank you in person to all of the award recipients, but also to their friends and families, who have made an undoubted contribution to their loved ones’ success.

“These men and women have made a huge difference, in a range of remarkable ways, and should be incredibly proud of their achievements.”